Premier League, Week 16: Sunderland rise to 15th

Newcastle injuries and suspensions

Fulham injuries and suspensions

The customary West Ham aerial bombardment began shortly thereafter, but they never seriously threatened Reina’s goal again, and Liverpool closed the match out fairly easily. It wasn’t the prettiest win, but it was a win, and the Reds find themselves in the top half of the table for the first time this season.

Full time came shortly thereafter, and Spurs were left to reflect on a match that saw them drop into fifth place on goal differential.

It appeared that a draw was on the cards until the third minute of stoppage time, when Tevez took down Rafael on the edge of the box to give United a free kick from 25 yards out. Van Persie stepped up and took a shot that took a slight deflection, which made a save nearly impossible for Hart. The ball curled perfectly inside of the far post, sending the United section of the crowd into raptures.

Ferdinand was hit with a projectile, while Atkinson was attacked by a pitch invader during United’s celebration of their game-winning goal. Another two minutes of stoppage time were played when the match eventually resumed, but City failed to do anything with their last chance, and now find themselves in a tough position in the league.

It had been a long and arduous journey already, and the traveller had only barely ascended past the foothills. The roads -- and with them, any sign of civilisation -- had long since fallen away, and the skinny, malformed trees did nothing to keep the biting wind from stealing away any warmth the sun’s weak rays provided.

It had to be done though. Lives were at stake. The future was at stake.

They couldn’t hold on, and McCarthy was able to get his second when he was picked out in the centre of the box. His scuffed shot flew through a tangle of legs, leaving the unsighted Green helpless to prevent the equaliser. It was the hosts who were closest to finding a winner as time wound down, but eventually both sides would be forced to settle for a draw.

At that point, the game should have been well and truly over. But Swansea had other plans. After getting lucky when Bradley Johnson’s volleyed effort cannoned off the crossbar, the hosts cut the deficit to two when Michu fired a low cross past John Ruddy and in with 51 minute played. And then, five minutes later, a poor clearance allowed Jonathan de Guzman to volley in at the near post to make it 3-2.

Not a bad game, this one.

Chelsea defeated Sunderland, getting a win that will likely calm down the unnecessary crisis talk but will do nothing to soothe the supporters still angry about the appointment of Rafa Benitez. Two goals from Fernando Torres and a third from Juan Mata did the damage.

Chelsea were on fire early generating several great chances in the first six minutes of the match.

Alright, that was bad but some of today’s games are not all that exciting so we’ve got to find our joy somewhere.

The Canaries are coming off a win as well and also make a couple changes. Jonny Howson replaces Alexander Tettey, while Ryan Bennett makes way for Russell Martin in the defense.